Waiting for Michaux-Perreaux

On By dorahakIn Fiction, Prompts
photo prompt: Brenda Cox

Read more about the Michaux-Perreaux here, a French bicycle company that later invented the steam velocipede, one of three precursors to the modern motorcycle. I chose Michaux-Perraux for its rhyming allusion to Godot in this semi-allegory.

Genre: allegory; Word count: 100
Come along and join in with Rochelle’s Friday Fictioneers.
Rochelle asks that we use the photo prompt 
and limit our words to 100 or less. 
Click on the frog to read more stories.

Waiting For Michaux-Perreaux

Every day, after work, the old cleaning woman sat on the bench staring at the Michaux-Perraux half in, half out of the building’s side. She was as much an oddity as the bicycle. Sometimes she was seen wiping tears away. Usually she sat poised expectantly. Nothing ever happened. Then, bowing her head, she would walk slowly away.

One day, an earthquake shook the town. The building was evacuated. As everyone watched, debris began falling, the wall with the bicycle cracked, and people screamed and ran.

All except the old woman.

The bicycle fell loose. Smiling, she rode it home.

41 thoughts on “Waiting for Michaux-Perreaux”

  1. Dora, I really really like the practicality of your take on the picture. The ending says it all and honestly, I did not anticipate it. This makes my mind awake for a second and my heavy heart lifted a bit. Well, dreaming of bikes any minute now. Thank you for this funny and practical piece. Blessings to you and your family!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Anita,
      She didn’t react as if it were a threat even. She simply had her eyes fixed on her heart’s desire and the earthquake signified not danger but a hopeful means to an end. She escaped alright. 🙂
      pax,
      dora

      Like

    1. Penny,
      I don’t know how I missed your comment but I’m so gratified by it. I like the connections you make with the parable regarding persistence. How much more in prayer! Thank you!
      pax,
      dora

      Liked by 1 person

    1. If my little story brought you any small cheer, I praise God for it! How we long for that day when our Lord returns and we can go home at last! Until then, dear Mandy-lorian, we’ll keep on and press on in His strength by His grace! ❤️
      pax,
      dora

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Dear Rochelle,

      GMTA indeed! I’m so glad you thought the ending satisfying. Still, I’d like to see what you can cook up with the M-P one day. 🙂

      Aleichem shalom,
      dora

      Like

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